Dhanbad in search of a lakhpati

- KBC inspires reality game show that will go on air after Durga Puja

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Kaun Banega Crorepati has a cousin in Dhanbad.

The Amitabh Bachchan-hosted iconic game show, the sixth edition of which recently went on air on Sony Entertainment Television, has inspired coal town’s very own Kaun Banega Lakhpati, which will make a debut on a private channel after Durga Puja.

To be hosted by a celebrity and sponsored by Dhanbad event management company Yes Group in association with the local branch of International Institute of Fashion Technology, the show will celebrate “she power” in the sense that 40 per cent of those who make it to the hot seat will be women. Anyone above 15 years can take part in the show.

“Registration will start from September 17.Interested people can try their luck both online and offline,” said director of Yes Group M.S. Akhtar, alias Saif.

A website, www.kbldhanbad.com, has been launched for facilitating online registrations and providing other information about the reality show like terms and conditions, rules and eligibility criteria.

“Those who are not computer-savvy can also apply to be a part of the game show by procuring registration formsfrom the office of Yes Group at Sri Ram Plaza at Dhanbad’s Bank More. Forms cost Rs 150 each,” said Akhtar.

An elaborate set will be readied by students of the fashion institute. The students will also design the clothes of the celebrity host, whose name is yet to be finalised. Actor Kamran Khan, who worked in Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Aarakshan and some Bhojpuri movies, will promote the show.

“A mobile van will soon go around different localities of Dhanbad, spreading the word about the game show. Volunteers onboard the van will help applicants fill up forms in case they face difficulty besides apprising them about the rules and regulations,” said Tabrez Anwar of Yes Group.

On why he was creating such a show, Akhtar said they wanted people of Dhanbad, which is a storehouse of talent, to prove their mettle. On the 40 per cent reservation for women, he said the idea was to empower women and make them self-reliant.

“The rules of the show will be on the lines of KBC so that participants don’t face any difficulty in understanding the format. Screening of applicants will be conducted after registration. The winners of the “fastest finger first” will be invited to the hot seat. A contestant has to answer 13 questions correctly to reach the Rs 1-lakh jackpot,” he added.